Coconut Almond Energy Balls

Well, I suppose just “bars” would be more accurate, as these bars don’t actually contain any granola (or oats for that matter)!

But seriously, these Kind bars are so decadent. In my opinion, they taste just like Girl Scouts Samoas (minus the chocolate, of course), with the coconut and honey playing off each other nicely. However, these bars are definitely pretty expensive, at over $1 each (and even around $2 at some places)! So in order to not go bankrupt over granola bars, I decided to make my own version of this decadent treat- in a cute, energy ball form!

These energy balls are everything Kind Bars are (minus the price), plus more! They’re made with whole ingredients, such as oats, almonds, and coconut, plus don’t include any added sugar (as Kind Bars do). Additionally, they only take about 3 minutes to make, which even including the time it takes them to harden in the freezer is still quicker than you would be running out to the grocery store to buy a box!

In order to create this recipe, I started off with a few basic ingredients: coconut flakes, almond, oats, and honey. Although the actual bars don’t contain oats, I decided to add them to my version to ensure the balls were a bit more filling and contained extra protein. I then added salt to balance out the sweetness of the honey, as well as gluten free flour to act as a binding agent.

All seemed to be going well until I first tried to make the balls. And lo and behold they didn’t stick together.

Which is when I realized the error of my ways, the one missing ingredient: coconut oil.

The trick to getting these balls to stay together is as simple as that! Once you pop them in the freezer, the coconut oil will harden, ensuring the balls remain in one piece. Plus, it gives them an extra hint of decadence that make the recipe seem a little bit less like a snack food… and a little bit more like dessert.

But hey, they’re healthier than samoas!

And taste just as good. (If not better! I’m serious, guys, if you try just one of my recipes, this is the one you need to try!)

Coconut Almond Energy Balls

1/2 c old fashioned oats

1/2 c toasted coconut flakes

1/4 c chopped almonds

1/4 c honey

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 c gluten free flour

2 tbs coconut oil

Add oats, coconut flakes, chopped almonds, salt, and flour to a bowl and stir until combined. Add honey and coconut oil and mix with a fork (or with your fingers) until the mixture is fully combined and has come together. Line a cookie sheet with tin foil or parchment paper. Scoop about 1 tbs of the mixture and roll it into a ball (squeeze ball tightly in your palm until mixture comes together). Set it on the cookie sheet. Repeat with remaining dough. Freeze for 15-20 minutes, or until solid. Enjoy! (Store in the freezer.)